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MIRICK N. SPEAR, the well-known book-seller and news dealer of Amherst, Mass., who enjoys the distinction of having been engaged in business here longer than any other merchant in the place, is a native of Shutesbury, Franklin County. He was born on July 28, 1825, and is a son of Eliphalet and Martha (Paul) Spear. His grandfather, Luther Spear, was an early settler of Shutesbury; and he also resided in other places in Massachusetts. He was a hard working and successful farmer, and reared a large family of children, nine sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to maturity and married. He lived to be nearly eighty-eight years of age.

Eliphalet Spear was born in Shutesbury on February 28, 1789. Like his father he turned his attention to agriculture, which he followed for several years in his native town. About the year 1824 he moved to North Amherst, where he purchased land. He was a man of industrious habits and successful in his chosen vocation. He died on December 15, 1865, about twenty-five years after the death of his wife, which occurred on July 31, 1840. Her maiden name was Martha Paul; and she was born in Shutesbury on July 23, 1791. They reared six of the seven children born of their union, but two only are now living; namely, Mirick N. and David C. The latter was born March 23, 1830, and resides in Easthampton, Mass. The departed are: Lusanna T. ; Harriet A., who was born June 28, 1817, and died July 3, 1854; Mary Sophia, born October 25, 1819, died December 16, 1837; Martha E., who was born February 13, 1822; and Ebenezer, their eldest child. Both parents were members of the Baptist church. Eliphalet Spear voted the Whig ticket until the formation of the Republican party, with which he afterward affiliated.

Mirick N. Spear grew to manhood on his father's farm in Amherst, receiving a good practical education in the schools of the town. A farm life, however, did not accord with his inclinations; and in 1850 he established himself in mercantile business in Amherst, which he has followed continuously since that time. He was the first news dealer and stationer in the town, and from a very small beginning his business has steadily grown until he now carries a large stock of books, periodicals, stationery, and school supplies, and also wall paper and fancy goods, keeping a first class store, one that, it is hardly necessary to say in this educational centre, is well patronized.

He was married on May 27, 1847, to Miss Sarah A. M. Whitney; and after her death in 1860 he married for his second wife Mrs. Delia O. Washburn. He has buried two sons, Edward M. and Henry F., and has one son living, William N. Spear, who is employed as a hotel clerk in Buffalo, N.Y. Mr. Spear is a representative man of the town and an active and influential citizen. He is a Democrat in politics. Socially, he is a member of Pacific Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Amherst, and was formerly identified with Wells Lodge, No. 140, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which has since disbanded. In religious views he is liberal.

ONSLOW G. SPELMAN, a retired manufacturer and one of the most wealthy residents of Williamsburg, was born in Granville, Mass., September 11, 1821, son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Gross) Spelman. Mr. Spelman's grandfather, Elijah Spelman, was born in Granville, Mass. He was descended from the Spelman that originally settled in Durham, Conn. Aaron Spelman was born August 18, 1792, and received a good education. He settled in Granville, where he became a school teacher. He was accidentally killed March 21, 1828, while cutting wood for the church and parsonage. His wife, Elizabeth Gross, was born May 8, 1793. She became the mother of four children, as follows: Solon S.; Onslow G.; Oscar F.; and Urseline, who died at an early age. The mother died October 26, 1848.

Onslow G. Spelman was but seven years of age at the time of his father's death. At about the age of ten years he went to Westfield, Mass., where he entered into an agreement with a Mr. Dewey to work for his board, clothing, and education until sixteen. Six months before arriving at the required age he purchased his time, and went to North Hadley, where he worked on a farm, and engaged in broom-making. After pursuing a course at the Buckland Academy, he went to Haydenville, and obtained employment in Josiah Hayden's pen factory. Finding the work in the factory not to his liking, he entered the store as a clerk, at a salary of twenty-five dollars per year and board. When twenty-one, he took a vacation, during which time he sold steel pens to help bear his expenses. He spent the following winter in a store in Northampton, and in the spring of 1843 came to Williamsburg, where for three years he acted as clerk and traveling salesman for Mr. Thayer. When D. W. Graves established his button manufactory, Mr. Spelman became its general manager. He later secured an interest in the business, after which the firm was known as O. G. Spelman & Co. Under his energetic management the business rapidly developed, finally becoming an important industry. An interesting feature of the management was the establishment by the company of a store in connection with their business, in which they carried on a profitable trade. The firm finally dissolved; and Mr. Spelman rented a factory on Mill River, which he soon after purchased. There he conducted a successful business until the buildings were swept away by the flood of 1874. He rebuilt the factory, and then sold it. He afterward became interested in another button factory for the space of three years more, when he retired. He also had an interest in the Textile Manufacturing Company of Westfield, Mass., being the president and general manager. This connection he resigned one year later, and then permanently retired from active business. In 1864 he erected his present residence on Main Street, one of the finest and most substantial houses in the village.

In 1849 Mr. Spelman was united in marriage to Harriet B. Sears. She died at the age of fifty-nine, leaving one daughter, Elizabeth, who resides at home. He wedded for his second wife Mrs. Olive (Merrill) Guild, daughter of Ira Merrill. He is independent in politics. That he has climbed to so high a rung on the ladder of life from the ground must be entirely credited to his own efforts. A life such as his is a liberal education in pluck and perseverance for our young men of today.

ALANSON WELLS STACY, a large land-owner of Belchertown, was born upon the farm where he now resides, May 29, 1818. His father, Alanson Stacy, who was born in the same town, was a son of Mark Stacy, also a native of Belchertown, where his father, Moses Stacy, was, in all probability, a lifelong resident and a farmer. Mark Stacy, who married Julia Root, was also engaged in agricultural pursuits. He passed his entire life upon his farm, which was situated in the locality known as Turkey Hill, where his three sons and three daughters were born. Alanson Stacy at the age of fourteen years went to reside in the family of Phineas B. Clark, a well-to-do farmer of the neighbor hood, who had no children of his own. At the death of Mr. Clark, Alanson inherited the farm and resided there until his death, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. His wife, whose maiden name was Delia Kelley, died at the same age as her husband, having been the mother of three children, of whom Mr. A. W. Stacy of this article is the only son. Alanson Wells Stacy, subsequent to reaching his majority, was associated with his father for some years in carrying on the farm. He then became a resident of Springfield, where for a period of twelve years he was very successful in business. He then returned to Belchertown, having succeeded to the ownership of his father's property. This he has since increased so that at the present time he possesses over eight hundred acres of exceedingly valuable land.

Mr. Stacy has been twice married. On the first occasion, which was in 1839, he was united to Eunice M. Kendall, of Ludlow, daughter of Selah and Betsey Kendall. She died in 1865. His second marriage, performed in 1869, was with Adeline Emma Barnes, of Hardwick, Mass., daughter of Harvey Barnes, a farmer of that town. Eli Barnes, father of Harvey Barnes, also followed agriculture, and was, so far as known, a life-long resident of Hardwick. Harvey Barnes, who was reared to farm life, went to Boston when a young man, making the journey on foot and carrying all of his worldly possessions tied up in a handkerchief. He soon gained a footing in business, and, being very industrious, was able to advance rapidly. He embarked in a livery enterprise, which he successfully conducted for a period of ten years. Then disposing of it he returned to his native town and purchased the old homestead, where he subsequently resided for many years. He passed the last three years of his life in Brookfield, where he died at the age of eighty-three years. His wife, whose maiden name was Harriet Gragg, a native of Boston, died at the age of seventy-six. She bore him fourteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity. By his first marriage Mr. Stacy had one daughter, who died at the age of twenty years. His present wife has borne him two children; namely, Avery Wells and Delia Estella. He has been a lifelong Democrat, but pressure of business has always withheld him from taking any prominent part in politics. He, however, served his fellow-townsmen one year as chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and at its conclusion informed them that he would present the town with the amount due him for his services on condition that he should never again be called into public affairs.

Mr. Stacy has had an eminently successful career, attributable chiefly to his energy and his industry. He is reckoned among the wealthiest residents of Belchertown. Although nearing his fourscore years, he is still vigorous and active. He has a commanding appearance, stands five feet nine inches in height, and has weighed two hundred and forty pounds.

THE STANTON FAMILY, of Huntington, have long resided in Hampshire County; and many of its members are well known in that section of the State. They are descendants of Thomas Stanton, who emigrated from England to the Colony of Virginia in 1636. Thence he went to Boston, and later to Hartford, Conn., where in 1637 he settled, and established a trading post. He married Ann Lord and became the father of twelve children. He died December 2, 1676. His second son, Captain John Stanton, was born in Hartford in 1641, and was educated for the ministry. He served as Captain in King Philip's War, and became prominent in framing the laws of the colony. He died October 13, 1713. His wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Thompson, became the mother of six children. John Stanton, Jr., first son of Captain John Stanton, was born May 22, 1665. He received land from his father, upon which he resided until his death. He raised a family of eleven children, and his seventh son, Jabez Stanton, was born December 19, 1718. He resided in Preston, Conn., and died March 2, 1804. His wife, Sarah Morse, was the mother of eleven children. Abel Stanton, fourth son of Jabez Stanton, was born December 29, 1748. When a young man he settled upon a tract of land in Norwich, Mass., where he followed agriculture until his death, which occurred in 1821. He married Olive Reed, and had a family of twelve children, as follows: Abel, Jabez, Thomas, Asher, James, Joseph, Waldon, Deborah, Sarah, Peleg, Daniel, and Seth.

Deacon Joseph Stanton, sixth son of Abel Stanton, was born in Connecticut, July 18, 1783. He came to Huntington in youth with his father, resided there during the remainder of his life, and died at the old Stanton homestead, March 12, 1870. His wife, who before her marriage was Grace Winchell, of Chester, became the mother of eight children; namely, Luke W., Jabez, Harmon, Fannie, Henry, Joseph, Adeline, and Catherine. She died in November, 1875. Luke W., first son of Deacon Joseph Stanton, was born in Huntington, April 17, 1806. He graduated from Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Me., and became a practicing physician in Amenia, N.Y., where he died February 5, 1869. He married Harriet Paine. Jabez Stanton was born July 16, 1808. He became station agent for the Boston & Albany Railroad in Huntington, a position which he satisfactorily filled for many years, he died November 14, 1872. He married Rachel Hatch, and was the father of two children; namely, Atherton and Adeline. Atherton is now manager of a brewery in Pittston, Pa. He has been twice married; and his second wife, who was Ella Collins, has borne him one son, Wilson. Adeline married H. Wilson Munson, and resides in Huntington. Harmon, third son of Deacon Joseph Stanton, was born December 4, 1810. He followed agriculture in Iowa for a time, and later moved to Oakland, Cal. He married for his first wife Catherine Stevens, who died; and he wedded for his second wife Hannah Elder, who bore him two children, namely, James E. and Emma A. Harmon Stanton died in California. His widow is still living. Fannie M. Stanton, daughter of Deacon Joseph Stanton, was born February 12, 1813. She married for her first husband Hiram Chapman, by whom she had three children, namely: Henry S., now of New York; Emerson, who died in Salisbury Prison while a soldier; and Irving, of New York. Her first husband having died, she wedded for her second Moses Fisk, and died in January, 1879. Henry, the fifth child of Deacon Joseph Stanton, was born April 5, 1815. He engaged in the lumber business, which he followed for many years with varying fortune, but, on the whole, was fairly successful. He became prominent in public affairs, and represented his district in the legislature in 1853. He was an active member of the Baptist church, was deeply interested in church work, and was Deacon many years. Henry Stanton was accidentally killed in Huntington by being thrown from a load of logs, December 26, 1874. He married Rosamond F. Knight in 1840. She was born June 30, 1819, daughter of Erastus Knight, of Norwich. She died August 23, 1889. Henry Stanton was by her the father of nine children. Four of them were as follows: Ellen R., who died November 3, 1854; Lowell M., who is a gardener in Springfield, is married to Mary A. Hill, and had three children, namely, Grace B. and Lowell E. (both deceased since 1882,) and Walter D. ; Flora Lucinda, born September 15, 1851, residing in Huntington; and Willie R, born February 12, 1854, who died September 10, 1856.

Henry Ellsworth Stanton, the second child of Henry and Rosamond Stanton, was born in Knightville, January 23, 1846. At the age of seven years his parents moved to Middlefield, where he resided until 1861, when they removed to the old Stanton homestead in Huntington. On July 20, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, Eighth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, for one hundred days' service in the Civil War, and was discharged November 10 of that year. In the spring of 1866 he went to Amenia, N.Y., where he took charge of his uncle's farm, and remained there for several months. He then learned the carriage-maker's trade; and returning to Huntington carried on that business until 1870, when he purchased the Huntington Mills. Later he sold the grist-mill, but still continued to operate the sawmill. Since 1885 he has engaged in contracting to a considerable extent. He constructed a portion of the water works at Springfield and at Meriden, Conn., and has built several miles of State roads. He was formerly a Republican in politics, but since 1885 has acted with the Prohibition party. He has served as Tax Collector and Constable for several years. He united with the Baptist church in 1865, and has been a Deacon since 1890. On November 21, 1871, he married Eliza A. Smith, who was born in Middlefield, Mass., May 20, 1846, and they had three children, namely: Emory E.; Robert H., who died September 27, 1877; and Luke W.

Frederick Potter Stanton, the sixth child of Henry Stanton, was born in Middlefield, Mass., March 21, 1858. He grew to manhood at the Stanton homestead in Huntington, and after the death of his father he opened a coal and wood yard. He subsequently dealt in ice, stone, brick, cement, etc., besides undertaking extensive contracts, in all of which enterprises he has been successful. He has always been an active Republican in politics, and is a member of the Baptist church. On May 7, 1888, he married Hattie L. Smith, who was born in Middlefield, May 8, 1859, and has two children; namely, Helen L. and Louisa R.

Albert H. Stanton, Henry Stanton's seventh child, was born January 23, 1860. He has always followed mercantile pursuits, and-is now Auditor of the town of Huntington. Edward W. Stanton, the eighth, was born January 5, 1862. He is a professional book keeper, and was a member of the School Board of Huntington. George Knight Stanton, the ninth, was born September 28, 1864. He learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed for some time. He now owns the Stanton homestead, and devotes his energies to gardening and the milk business.

FRANCIS S. STEBBINS was a life-long resident of Granby, the date of his birth being August 22, 1812, and that of his death June 6, 1882. As the descendant of early settlers and a citizen whose memory is held in respect, he is deserving of honorable mention in this biographical volume.

His father, John Stebbins, was born in this town, December 22, 1763, and from earliest manhood was identified with the agricultural interests of this section of Hampshire County, being one of its successful practical farmers. He died January 15, 1847. He was thrice married, his first wife being Susannah Warner, of Amherst, born October 16, 1772. Of this union six children were born: Ruth, Josephus, Aaron W., John A., Cyrus, and Susannah. His second wife was Jerusha Clark, of Amherst, born May 12, 1772. She bore him five children: Philena, Josephus, Lucius, Francis, and Simeon, all of whom, with the exception of Lucius, have passed to the life immortal. His last wife, sister of the second, was born in Amherst, December 13, 1767, and died June 30, 1855.

Francis S. Stebbins attended the district schools in his younger days, and when old enough to learn a trade selected that of a shoe-maker, working at it industriously and until 1846, when failing health compelled him to seek some other occupation. Having been reared on a farm, and therefore familiar with its labors, he then turned his attention to agriculture in Granby, and in this pursuit also was prosperous, realizing both health and cash. He made excellent improvements on his farm, placing the fertile land in a good state of cultivation, and carrying on general farming with satisfactory results, year by year adding to his possessions. Mr. Stebbins held a secure position in the esteem and respect of his neighbors, and, being public-spirited and of wise judgment, was prominent in local affairs, and served with acceptance in various offices of trust, as that of Surveyor and also of Assessor. He was domestic in his tastes, enjoying the quiet of his fireside, and was a kind husband, an obliging neighbor, and a most worthy and valued citizen.

On March 2, 1843, Mr. Stebbins was united in marriage with Miss Acelia R. Dickinson, who was born January 7, 1820, in Granby, where she has spent her entire years. Her parents, Abner M. Dickinson, born December, 1790, and Ruth Warner Dickinson, born August 26, 1794, were well-known members of the farming community of this locality, where they reared their five children: Lucilla F., Acelia R. (Mrs. Stebbins), Sophronia, Orpha C., and Clarissa.

ISAAC H. STEELE, superintendent of the Cummington Co-operative Creamery, was born in Cummington, November 28, 1843, son of Hiram and Rebecca (Witherell) Steele.

Mr. Steele's grandparents were Stephen and Chloe (Hubbard) Steele. Stephen Steelewas born in Tolland County, Connecticut, from which State he went to Wethersfield, Vt., and later to Windsor, where he became a prosperous farmer. His death occurred in middle life. His wife, Chloe Hubbard before marriage, lived to an advanced age, and was the mother of ten children: Stephen, Lucius, Eliakin, Hiram, Charles, Chloe, Gratia, Emily, Mary J., and Hiram.

Mr. Steele's father was born in Wethersfield, Vt., January 5, 1799. When a young man, he went to Watertown, Mass., where he learned the trade of finishing broadcloth, becoming an expert in that occupation. He later worked in Leeds, Mass.; and in 1838 he came to Cummington, where he purchased the Melvin farm, consisting of one hundred and fifty acres. He built a new barn, and remodeled the other buildings, and was a well-to-do farmer when he died in Cummington, at the age of ninety-two years. He was a Republican in politics, a member of the House of Representatives in 1846 and 1847, and a member of the Methodist church. His wife was a native of Chesterfield, Mass., daughter of Elisha Witherell. They had three children, as follows: Lucius; Mary J., who married for her first husband P. A. Bryant, and for her second J. D. Stall; and Isaac H., the subject of this sketch. The mother died at the age of eighty-two.

Isaac H. Steele attended the district and select schools of Cummington. At the age of nineteen years he went to Northampton, where he worked upon guns in the Bay State shops. He later entered the hoop factory in Chesterfield, where he remained for nine years, and then, in company with Joseph Cudworth, his wife's father, purchased two hundred acres of land. They carried on farming for eleven years, keeping graded Durham cows and making a specialty of raising, matching, and breaking steer. Mr. Steele returned to the shops in Chesterfield for three years, and in 1886 came to Cummington. Here he assisted in finishing the new creamery, after which he was appointed superintendent. The association started with twenty-five dairies, and now disposes of the products of one hundred and forty-five. It markets upward of twenty thousand pounds of butter per month, chiefly in the surrounding towns and cities. A portion reaches New York and Boston, where it has secured a high reputation. The Cummington Creamery is noted for the superior quality of its commodities - a fact to be largely credited to Mr. Steele's management. Their supply of water is obtained from a constant spring, and the machinery is run by a twelve-horse power engine. The grounds are neatly laid out and covered with shade trees.

On December 24, 1868, Mr. Steele was united in marriage to Alice A. Cudworth, daughter of Joseph and Arelia (Todd) Cudworth. They have two children, namely: George W., born June 21, 1873: and Frank D., born February 3, 1879. Mr. Steele is a Republican in politics, and liberal in his religious views.

AARON AND LAFAYETTE STEVENS, the well known millers and manufacturers of Worthington, are natives of this town. Aaron was born February 5, 1816; and Lafayette was born November 30, 1824, both being sons of Aaron Stevens, Sr.

Their father was born in Brookfield, Mass., August 19, 1786. In 1811 he settled in Worthington, where he purchased a farm of seventy-five acres, upon which his son Lafayette now resides. He also engaged in operating a saw and grist mill, which was at that time the only establishment of its kind in the neighborhood; and he conducted it with success until 1837, when it was destroyed by fire. He soon built another mill, and in 1840 erected a larger one, both of which were burned a few years later. Aaron Stevens, Sr., died July 2, 1859. On December 5, 1811, he married Sarah Spelman, who was born in Sandisfield, Mass., October 3, 1783, and died December 15, 1859. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: Nathan S., John M., Aaron, Jr., Corril B., Sarah R., Catherine M., and Lafayette.

Aaron Stevens, Jr., assisted his father in carrying on the two saw-mills: and after their destruction he, in company with his brother Nathan, erected another mill, and operated it for some time. He then purchased his partner's interest, and successfully conducted the enterprise for thirty-seven years. In 1894 that mill was also burned, and he at once started to rebuild. He is at present engaged in running a sawmill and manufacturing hoops.

On March 17, 1842, Aaron Stevens, Jr., was united in marriage to Sophia P. Stone. She was born in Chester, Mass., April 23, 1816, daughter of Harvey Stone, a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are the parents of three children, as follows: Anson F., who was born January 8, 1843, married Fidelia Cole, and resides in Rockford, ILL., where he follows the occupation of a merchant; Eugene Henry, born January 23, 1852, who married Alida Graves, and is engaged in business with his father in the mill; and Cullen Leroy, born January 26, 1854, who also is in company with his father, under the firm name of A. Stevens & Sons. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have also an adopted child, Henrietta J. Cole, who was born February 14, 1858, daughter of Henry and Augusta V. (Packard) Cole. Mr. Aaron Stevens is a Republican in politics, and has served as a Selectman. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are members of the Congregational church, of which he is Deacon.

Lafayette Stevens resided at home, and assisted his father in carrying on the farm. In the spring of 1858 he erected a grist-mill, which he operates with good results; and later he engaged in the manufacturing of embroidery hoops, which he ships to different parts of the country. He is a Republican in politics. Lafayette Stevens was married on September 10, 1846, to Laura S. Packard. She was born in Cummington, Mass., November 9, 1825, daughter of William and Sarah (Stoddard) Packard, natives of Massachusetts, the former of whom was born October 25, 1791. William Packard was a well-known and highly esteemed man, who was a surveyor for more than fifty years, also a Justice of the Peace, and was Treasurer of Cummington for thirty-nine years. He died November 2, 1870; and his wife died March 1, 1873.

Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette Stevens have had six children, namely: Julia S., who was born July 3, 1847, married Darwin E. Lyman, of Cummington, and has two children - Eugene William and Laura A.; Ella A., who was born April 28, 1850, and died aged four years; William A., who was born October 11, 1852, for his first wife married Alice Daniels, and for his second Marie T. Young, and resides in Buffalo, N.Y., where he is employed as a traveling salesman; Alfred C, who was born May 31, 1856, married Edith M. Tower, and has two children - Walter Leroy and Clara Louisa; Lester F., born May 1, 1859, who married Harriet Read, and resides near Boston, employed as a traveling salesman; and Flora Belle, who was born December 25, 1863, and resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are members of the Congregational church, of which Mr. Stevens is a Deacon.

ARLIN V. STEVENS, of Cummington, prosperously engaged in the manufacture of brush handles, is a native of Worthington, Mass., born June 15, 1854, son of Nathan S. and Sybil (Cowing) Stevens.

Nathan S. Stevens was also born in Worthington, and spent his early years in that town. When a young man, he was employed as porter at the Warner House in Northampton. He had been there but a short time when he was given an opportunity to learn the trade of a machinist. He availed of it, and served an apprenticeship with his brother Aaron. In 1834 the two went to Worthington, and built a sawmill and factory, where they established a good wood working business, manufacturing sieve rims and other kinds of bent woodwork until 1860. He then came to Cummington, purchased the old Hayden cotton-mills, fitted them up with new machinery, and began the manufacture of penholders and cedar brush handles. In company with a Mr. Rhodes, he also engaged in the manufacture of the Diamond Grit Scythe Stones, the material for which was quarried in the rough, and then converted into merchantable shape. This industry was carried on successfully for five years. In 1874 he took his two sons, Arthur S. and Arlin V., as partners, and extended the scope of the wood working business, adding new machinery, much of which was invented by himself. At that time their factory was the leading one of its kind in this country. On February 23, 1883, the mill was destroyed by fire. A new one was ready for occupancy by the 15th of April following; and business was soon again in progress, although for a time they were obliged to set up a saw to cut the timber out of doors. From 1884 to 1887 they also engaged in the manufacture of the New York lead pencil, turning out on an average about one hundred gross per day. Mr. Stevens died in June, 1889. His wife bore him two sons, namely: Arthur S., who died in 1884; and Arlin V., the subject of this sketch.

Arlin V. Stevens acquired a good practical education in the district school and at Wilbraham Academy. He then worked for three years as clerk in the hardware store of W. E. Thayer, of Williamsburg. He next went to Chicago, ILL., where he was employed as a salesman for the furnishing goods department of Field & Lyter. He did not remain there long; and in 1874 he came to Cummington, Mass., and went into business with his father. His brother, Arthur, was also interested in the business; and at the latter's death he bought his interest. After his father's decease he came into full control, and is still conducting the business, which has been one of steady growth. Like his father, he is inventive; and some of the most valuable machines employed in the work are creations of his brain. There are ten machines used in the manufacture of handles; and they turn out about two hundred and fifty gross per day, the larger part being varnish and paint brush handles of all grades. He employs forty people in the different departments, and uses annually about three hundred thousand feet of native lumber and about two hundred thousand feet of Florida cedar. He also owns a farm, and now has three fine horses that were raised there.

His marriage to Miss H. Imogene Pettingill was performed on February 6, 1878. She is a daughter of Aldin F. and Zeruiah (Shaw) Pettingill. Six children have come of the union, namely: Winifred S., born November 13, 1878, who is attending the high school at Medford, Mass.; Anne V.; Margery S.; C. Ashley; Leon A.; and Ruth W. Mr. Stevens is a supporter of Republican principles, and he has served as Treasurer of his town for several years. He was elected Representative of Second Hampshire County District to the General Court, November 5, 1895, receiving about eighty-five per cent, of the entire votes cast in the district. He and his family reside at their fine residence on Main Street, which was formerly known as the Vining Home.

CHARLES E. STEVENS, a resident of Ware and one of the leading woolen manufacturers in the country, was born in the town, April 21, 1843, and is a son of Charles A. and Maria (Tyler) Stevens.

His grandfather, Nathaniel Stevens, was born in Andover, Mass., in the year 1783. During the active period of his life he was successfully engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods at North Andover, Mass. He married Miss Harriet Hale, a native of Chelmsford, Middlesex County; and they reared a family of nine children, eight of whom married. There were four sons and five daughters. Five are now living, namely: Henry H. Stevens, of Lexington, Ky.; Moses T. Stevens, a very successful woolen manufacturer at North Andover, who was for four years a member of Congress, and has held various other prominent positions; Julia M., the widow of S. S. Hunting, residing at Des Moines, la.; Catherine, who married Oliver Stevens, of Boston; and Eliza, the wife of J. H. D. Smith, living in Boston. Their father died in April, 1865, seventy-eight years of age, and their mother in January, 1882, eighty-eight years old.

Charles A. Stevens, who was born in North Andover, Mass., August 9, 1815, worked for his father for a short time after ceasing to attend school. In 1841 he removed to Ware, and in company with the late George H. Gilbert started in the woolen business for him-self. Ten years later the firm of Gilbert & Stevens was dissolved, and he conducted the business alone up to 1872. At this time he took his son, Charles E. Stevens, into partnership with him; and they did a thriving and successful business up to the time of his death. Besides his mill interests, he was connected with other large business enterprises. Among them were the Turner's Falls Water Company, the John Russell Cutlery Company, the Cotton and Woolen Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Boston, and the Ware Savings Bank. He was President of each of the last three, and was the last survivor of the original incorporators of the Ware Savings Bank, which was organized in 1850. He was a member of the State legislature in 1852, a member of Governor Bullock's Council in 1866 and 1867, and Congressman to serve the remainder of the unexpired term of Alvah Crocker, of Fitchburg, after he died. In 1853 he was one of the leaders in organizing the Ware Fire Department, of which he served as the first Chief Engineer. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and served as a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1860 and 1868.

He was married on April 20, 1842, to Maria Tyler, a daughter of Jonathan Tyler, of Lowell, Mass. Their wedded life was spent in Ware, where their five children -four sons and a daughter - were born. One son died in infancy, and Nathaniel lived to be but four and a half years of age. The survivors are as follows: Charles E. Stevens, the subject of this sketch; Jonathan Tyler Stevens, of Lowell; and Julia M. S., the wife of Dr. J. H. Jolliffe, of New York City. Their mother died March 3, 1881, sixty-five years of age, and their father on April 7, 1892. He was with his daughter in New York at the time, and his funeral occurred just eight months from the time of her marriage. The burial was in the family lot at Aspen Grove Cemetery in Ware. As marks of respect to the memory of the deceased the business offices and stores of the town were closed during the funeral services. The mill of Charles A. Stevens & Co. was closed from Saturday noon until the following Wednesday, and for two hours preceding the services a thousand of the mill operatives and their wives viewed the remains.

Charles E. Stevens received a good practical common-school education. He was reared to the manufacturing business, and became a partner in his father's business in 1872, when the firm title was changed to Charles A. Stevens & Co. At his father's death he became the sole proprietor, and has continued to do a most successful business, keeping up the standard of excellence for which the goods manufactured by that company have become so well known throughout the country. He also succeeded his father as President of the John Russell Cutlery Company, and is a Director of the Turner's Falls Water Company, of the Cotton and Woolen Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Boston, of the Ware National Bank, of the Ware River Railroad Company, of the Ware River Manufacturing Company; and he is a Trustee of the Ware Savings Bank.

His political principles are Republican. In 1882 he was chosen a member of the House of Representatives, and for 1889-90 served as a Senator in the legislature. For two years he was a member of the State Central Committee, and was elected a member of the Governor's Council in 1894 and 1895.

REV. BENJAMIN V. STEVENSON, a retired clergyman and an esteemed resident of Ware, first opened his eyes on the world in Boston on Christmas morning, a.d. 1815, son of William and Abigail (Varney) Stevenson. Mr. Stevenson is of Scotch descent. His great-grandfather, James Stevenson, came to this country from Glasgow, Scotland. His grandfather, Thomas Stevenson, was a baker in Boston, doing a good business. The latter married Sarah Chadwell, of that city; and they had a family of thirteen children, seven of whom they reared.

William Stevenson, father of the Rev. Benjamin V. Stevenson, was born in Boston in 1785. A pump and block maker by trade, he was an intelligent and well-read man, who, though not wealthy, was fairly prosperous, lived well, gave his children a good education, and died in 1841. His wife, Abigail Varney, was the daughter of Benjamin Varney, who was also a pump and block maker, and taught William Stevenson his trade. Mrs. Stevenson lived to the age of seventy-five years, surviving her husband over thirty years. They were buried beside the grandparents in the old cemetery on Salem Street, Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson had a family of two boys and seven girls, and reared two sons and three daughters. But two are now living, the subject of this sketch and his sister, Sarah Chad-well. The latter, widow of the late Robert W. Hall, who was once a prominent man in Boston and superintendent of public lands, is now eighty-five years of age, and is still active and in full possession of her faculties. She reared two sons and two daughters.

Benjamin V. Stevenson finished his theological studies under Hosea Ballou, second, first President of Tufts College. At the age of twenty-nine he took charge of his first pastorate at Barre, Mass., where he remained six years. He was subsequently pastor at New Bedford, Chicopee, Shelburne Falls, Southbridge, and Ware. He came to the latter town in 1882, and in 1885 purchased his present home at 81 Church Street. About six years ago Mr. Stevenson had a fall which disabled his lower limbs. This obliged him to retire from active pastoral work, but he is always ready to answer the calls of charity. He lives up to the teachings of the word which he was wont to preach, and is held in loving remembrance by his former parishioners.

January 1, 1845, he was united in marriage to Maria A. Standish, of Boston, who died August 2, 1846. He was married a second time on March 30, 1848, to Huldah H. Sibley, of Barre, daughter of Sardius and Betsey (Johnson) Sibley. Mrs. Stevenson's great-grandfather on the paternal side was Samuel Sibley, one of the early settlers of Barre, where he was a successful farmer. Her grand-father was Captain Charles Sibley, of Barre, an officer in the State militia, who served for many years in both chambers of the Massachusetts legislature. On the maternal side Mrs. Stevenson is a grand daughter of Perry Johnson, of Barre. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson had three children, namely: Charles Sibley, who died in infancy; Maria Augusta, wife of A. G. Carley, of Northampton, who has one son; and William Henry, a prosperous grocer in Boston, who has three sons.

Mr. Stevenson is advanced in Masonry, having passed three of the chairs, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. An extended account of his family history would be very interesting, as his grandparents were residents of Boston during the stirring times of the Revolution. He has in his possession a heavy solid silver spoon, given to him by his grandmother sixty-three years ago, that was made by Paul Revere.

BRADSHAW H. STONE, has been a resident of Northampton for more than thirty years, having settled in his present home at 200 State Street, in 1862. He is a native of Windham, Vt., where he was born February 6, 1825, son of Horace W. and Hannah (Fisher) Stone.

Horace W. Stone was born in Ashburnham, Mass., January 6, 1800, being a son of Joseph Stone, of whose record little is definitely known. He was a railroad contractor, spending the larger part of his life in New England, dying August 29, 1887, in Northampton. He had several contracts on the Boston & Albany Railroad, the Hartford, the Connecticut River, and the Fitchburg roads. In 1853 he built a portion of the Wabash & Indiana Railroad. Seven children were born to him and his wife, of whom five grew to adult life. These were: Bradshaw H., the subject of this sketch; Orlando F., formerly engaged in farming at Westminster, Vt., who died December 30, 1863, aged thirty-seven years; George Kirk, formerly a trainman, who was killed December 1, 1853, aged twenty-one years; Evander M., formerly a baggage master, who died September 15, 1863, aged twenty-eight years; and Hannah M., widow of the late Malery Locke, of Chicago, ILL.

Bradshaw H. Stone was reared to manhood on his father's farm. He subsequently assisted his father in his business of contracting and building. He was first employed as a train master on the Cheshire Railway, and afterward as section man on the Connecticut River road. He was also a train conductor for many years, and a road master for a shorter time. He is now quietly engaged cultivating a meadow farm of nine acres, on which he keeps a horse and cow. In politics he was a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party he has been one of its strongest adherents. He was superintendent of streets for sixteen years, and had charge of much of the work of constructing the city water works. Religiously, both he and his wife are valued members of the Baptist church, and active workers in the denomination.

Mr. Stone has been twice married. He was first married November 17, 1850, to Mary Ellen Stoddard, who died fourteen months after. On December 6, 1852, Mr. Stone was united in wedlock a second time with Eliza P. Barrett, born August 15, 1823, in Windham, Vt., a daughter of Simeon and Edith (Farr) Barrett. Mrs. Stone was liberally educated, and for several years prior to her marriage was engaged in teaching school. Of the union two children have been born, namely: Kirk H., who has been book keeper for eighteen years with the same firm, is married and has four children, three sons and a daughter; and Urban S., a ranchman at Montrose, Col. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are highly esteemed by their neighborhood.

EVERETT C. STONE, editor and proprietor of the Northampton Daily Herald, was born at Newburyport, Mass. He is a son of John O. A. Stone, who is now a resident of Danielson, Conn., publishing the Windham County Transcript, and is one of the oldest and best-known editors in that State.

Everett C. Stone received his elementary education in the public schools. He began to attend Phillips Academy at Andover, intending to take a full course of study, but failing health obliged him to abandon his purpose. He early became acquainted with the "art preservative," and made his first business venture in 1871 by starting the Putnam Patriot at Putnam, Conn. He continued its publication eleven years, selling out in 1882, and removing to Worcester, Mass. There Mr. Stone engaged in job printing and book publishing. He also established the Worcester Home Journal, a weekly paper, which he disposed of in 1885. Coming then to Northampton, he bought the Hampshire Herald, in which was then published as a two-cent daily. Lowering the price to one cent, and changing the name to the Northampton Daily Herald, he has since successfully continued its publication. It is the oldest daily paper published in Hampshire County, and under his efficient management the circulation has increased six fold. Mr. Stone, when reducing the price of the paper, increased its size, which is now double what it was originally. He has also erected the new three-story block in which his printing establishment is located. The plant, which is one of the best equipped in this vicinity, includes a Webb perfecting press and type setting machine.

JOHN H. STORRS, a large real estate dealer and one of the successful business men of the town of Ware, was born in Victory Mills, Saratoga County, N.Y., in 1831, son of John Frink and Sally (Topliff) Storrs.

John Henry Storrs, his paternal grand-father, was a successful agriculturist of Ashford, Conn. He married Miss Polly Frink, and three sons and a daughter were born of their union, as follows: John Frink Storrs; Bazalel Storrs, a farmer, who died at the age of sixty-two years, leaving no family; William Storrs, who is married, but has no children; and Polly, the wife of Harvey Sedgwick, of Palmer, Mass.

John Frink Storrs, when grown to manhood, turned his attention to the livery business, which he first took up in Oswego, N.Y. In 1839 he came to Monson, Mass., and later resided successively in Stafford and at Ellington, Conn., but finally removed to Ware in 1856. Although he began without cash capital, he was very successful. He had a large and profitable business. Besides his livery stable, he had on the road thirteen stages, requiring the employment of eighty horses. His wife, to whom he was married in 1818, bore him a son and daughter; namely, John H. Storrs and Maria Storrs. The latter was for about forty years the leading milliner of Ware. She has now retired, and resides with her brother. Their mother died in 1860, sixty-two years of age; and their father, after living to the age of seventy-nine years, passed away eight years later.

John H. Storrs attended the high school and Monson Academy, and later the school at Stafford, Conn. He left school to take a clerkship in a general merchandise store, where he remained for six years. He then purchased a team, and during the succeeding six years was successfully engaged in selling goods throughout Tolland County, Connecticut, and vicinity. In 1856 he removed to Ware, where he opened a dry-goods and millinery store in company with Charles Wilcox, under the firm name of Wilcox & Storrs. Two years later his partner withdrew; and he carried on the business alone until 1869, at which time, having overworked so that his health was failing him, he sold out to parties from Boston. He then took up the real estate business. He began by purchasing vacant land, erecting buildings upon it, and then selling or renting the same. In 1868 he began to build on seven acres of land that he had purchased for two thousand dollars in 1866. Of this land within the past three years he has sold about fifty building lots, at prices ranging from three hundred to one thousand dollars each. He also purchased a farm containing fifty-eight acres, for which he paid seven thousand, five hundred dollars. The sale of a part of this property has brought him twenty-five thousand dollars, and he has still a large part of it left. His sons, John H., Jr., and George D., are now engaged in the business with him; and they are the largest operators in Ware. Among the buildings they have erected are: the brick blocks on Main and North Streets, embracing eleven stores and the post office; and the Mansion House, a fine modern hotel. They have also four other stores, which they rent. The erection of stores and blocks was begun in 1881. Besides attending to his own property, Mr. Storrs also takes charge of property belonging to non-residents.

He has been twice married. The maiden name of his first wife was Miss Delia Pierce. She died in 1859. He afterward married Miss Emma J. Draper, a daughter of Lyman Draper. Of the six children born of this union one died when nine months old and one at the age of three years and six months. The others are: John H. Storrs, Jr.; George D. Storrs; Mabel O., wife of George W. Dunham, the teller of the Ware Savings Bank; and Mary B. Storrs, who is now at Smith College and a member of the class of 1896. Mr. Storrs has one grandson, John H. Storrs, third, son of John H. Storrs, Jr., who is six years of age. His second wife died July 13, 1891, in the fifty-first year of her age, Mr. Storrs votes with the Democratic party. He has been a Selectman and Assessor for many years.

DR. CHESTER STRATTON, late of Amherst, who in his day was reputed the best dentist in the Connecticut valley, was born in Northfield, Mass., March 19, 1816, the son of Roswell and Rhoda (Wright) Stratton. Roswell Stratton was one of the early settlers of Northfield, and was probably born there. There, it is certain, he died; and his wife, too, breathed her last in that town. Their union was blessed by five children, four of whom grew up. The only survivor of the family at present is Roswell Stratton, who resides in Northfield. Both parents were members of the Unitarian church.

Chester Stratton first attended school and grew to manhood in Northfield. He received a liberal education, and on completing his studies took up the practical work of dentistry, which became his life employment. He located in Amherst in 1843, and was in business in that town, winning honor in his profession and acquiring a modest fortune, up to the time of his death, which occurred August 21, 1867. He was the first Vice-President of the Connecticut Valley Dental Association.

On March 31, 1845, he was united in marriage with Charlotte M., daughter of Shubael and Charlotte (Smith) Kenfield, who was born in Enfield, Mass., February 2, 1824. Shubael Kenfield was born in Belchertown, Mass., February 6, 1801. He was engaged in farming in Enfield the greater part of his life, and was a prominent citizen of that town. Politically, he was a Republican, and held various offices in the town, serving for some time as Selectman and as member of the School Committee. On religious subjects his views were liberal. He died in Enfield, November 26, 1862. His wife, who was born in Williamstown, June 2, 1801, lived to be nearly ninety-two years of age, breathing her last in Belchertown in 1893. She was a member of the Congregational church. They had nine children, one of whom died in infancy. The others were as follows: Timothy S., who resides in Belchertown; Charlotte M., the wife of Dr. Stratton; Mary S., wife of Henry Russell, of Amherst; Sarah M., wife of Henry J. Stone, of Enfield; Charles S., residing in Washington, D.C. ; Elizabeth R., wife of William E. Bridgman, of Belchertown; Emily W., wife of Benjamin T. Hall, of Pleasantville, N.Y. ; and Amos W., who resides in Camden, N.Y.

Mrs. Stratton has no children. Politically, Dr. Stratton believed in the Republican doctrines. On religious questions both he and his wife held liberal views. Mrs. Stratton, who came to her pleasant home a young bride in 1845, is still its mistress, after a lapse of fifty years. She represents one of the oldest families of the town, and is a capable business woman, deserving of the respect and esteem universally accorded her.

CHARLES E. STRONG, of Huntington, a well known farmer and a manufacturer of whetstones, was born in that town October 6, 1853, son of Hopkins and Roxana (Knowlton) Strong. Mr. Strong's father was a lifelong agriculturist and a highly respected citizen of Huntington. He was a Congregationalist in his religious belief, and united with the church. In politics he was an active supporter of the Republican party. He died at the age of sixty-six years. His wife became the mother of two children: Charles E., the subject of this sketch; and Samuel, who died at the age of seventeen.

Charles E. Strong was educated in the schools of Huntington, and was reared to an agricultural life. He resided with his parents and assisted in carrying on the farm, which he took charge of after his father's death. He subsequently engaged in the butchering business, and in 1877 moved to his present farm, which he purchased two years later. The property consists of four hundred acres of land, which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. An additional source of income on it is a fine trout stream, which is now leased to a Springfield club. Mr. Strong is also extensively engaged in manufacturing scythe-stones. He owns the quarry from which he gets the stone, and he ships his products to different parts of the country. He has always voted with the Republican party, and has served as Highway Surveyor for several years.

On September 5, 1880, Mr. Strong was united in marriage to Mary D. Brown. She was born in Huntington, June 15, 1862, daughter of Aaron Brown, a prosperous farmer of Huntington, and Fanny (Leonard) Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Strong are the parents of three children, namely: Grover C., who was born March 9,1886; Currier Edward, born March 15, 1891 ; and Gladys Mary, born January 19, 1895.

REV. RICHARD La RUE SWAIN, Ph.D., pastor of the Congregational church in South Hadley Falls, was born in Jefferson. County, Iowa, June 17, 1860. He is the son of the Rev. Richard and Sarah Elizabeth (Carr) Swain, who are now living retired in Promise City, la. His parents are natives of Leicestershire, England, and came to America in 1857. His father was taught the Catholic faith, but when twenty years of age joined the Wesleyan Methodist church, and became a licensed minister of that denomination, preaching for them until he came to this country.

In Jefferson County, Iowa, where he first located, he did not find the Wesleyan church, hence joined the United Brethren in Christ, and has since remained a minister of that communion. After five years he removed to Wayne County, where he purchased a farm near Promise City. For a number of years he combined preaching and agricultural pursuits; but finally he gave his time wholly to the ministry, his last pastorate being at Lisbon, la.

Mr. Swain has four sisters. His oldest sister, Mary, who was born in England, now lives in Washington. His sisters Sarah, Clara, and Lauretta live near their old home in Wayne County. His brother John was killed by lightning when twenty-one years of age.

Richard L. completed his classical course in Western College, Iowa, took his divinity course in Union Biblical Seminary, Ohio, and pursued a course in philosophy at Yale and Otterbein. He also gave much attention to the study of music, and almost entirely defrayed the expenses of his education by teaching music. He was given license to preach when seventeen years of age; and, while he did not yet take a church, he preached frequently during his various courses of study. His first regular pastorate was in Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio, where he was college pastor and Lecturer on Evidences of Christianity for five and a half years. He was also one of the Trustees of the United Society of Christian Endeavor for about four years, which position he resigned on leaving Ohio for Massachusetts. He accepted a call to his present church in December, 1893, and was here installed on March 13, 1894. The church in South Hadley Falls is in a flourishing condition, with a membership of nearly three hundred and about the same number of families who look to this church for pastoral care.

While in college Mr. Swain was married to Miss Anna E. Shuey, who was a professor in the college at that time. Her parents were William and Catherine (Baker) Shuey. Her father was a Captain in the late war, and after the war edited a paper in his college town. He died in 1876, from injuries received during the war. Mrs. Swain's mother now resides with her youngest daughter in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Swain have four children : Richard S., Philip W., Esther Helen, and Stuart Frederick.

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